WHY I CHOSE KETO

It's January, which for most of the world means time to clean up that diet and get back on the healthy train. Am I right? Well I am just like everybody else and I really let myself fall off that train for the past several months. My holiday eating definitely was not stellar and I haven't worked out since the Living with Landyn live show in September...of last year! Well all that changes now.

The funny thing is that I am actually the thinnest I have been since college, but unfortunately it is because I have lost muscle mass. They always say muscle mass weighs more than fat...and let me tell you, they aren't lying. After so many positive reviews and encouragement from you guys about Orange Theory, I am actually going to start going this week. I will definitely give you my thoughts on that after I have gone for awhile. I have also started the Keto diet this month and I'm excited to share with you why I chose that diet and what all I have learned so far.

WHAT IS A KETO DIET?

First things first, what exactly is a Keto diet? I had heard that term before, but never really knew what it was. At its core it is basically a high-fat, low-carb diet. Is anyone old enough to remember the ole Atkins diet that was really popular in the early 2000's? It is basically like the Atkins diet on crack. One of the primary difference though is the emphasis on eating high-fat foods and getting your body into a state of ketosis and keeping it there.

Ketosis is a natural process that our body creates when it has a low intake of carbohydrates and needs to produce fuel for the body. The body's primary source of fuel is glucose which is created when carbs and sugars are broken done in the liver. When the body does not have enough carbs, the liver produces ketones through the breakdown of fat. Basically your body is using fat, rather than carbs, as it primary fuel source so it burns fat quickly.

WHAT DO YOU EAT ON A KETO DIET?

The goal with a keto diet is to get into and keep your body in a state of ketosis. To do this the general recommendation is that you need to eat no more than 50 grams of carbs (25-30 net carbs) a day max and the lower the better. For me it's 20 grams. This is just a guideline though, so if you want to know more accurately based on your personal situation and your body just google keto calculator and you will be able to better figure out the right amount of carbs for you.

Because fat becomes the primary fuel source in a keto diet, fat is the majority of what you are consuming in your diet. Below is a pie chart that I found that helps break down what you should be eating on a keto diet. You will notice that in addition to being low carb, you are eating a limited amount of protein too and the protein that you do eat is generally higher fat meats.

If you are a more visual person like me, here is a great food pyramid that shows you the foods to eat and avoid on this diet. I'm loving the Keto App. It's so easy to track what you consume daily, along with plenty of great recipe ideas.

One of the very best parts of the keto diet has been that the recipes are delicious and even my kids love them. Typically when we try a diet and are eating lots of "green things" my kids completely freak out and don't want to eat what I am cooking. Mama doesn't have time to be a short-order cook, so it is nice to be able to make one meal that everyone enjoys. Like those pork rind dusted pork chops...they devoured them!

WHY WE CHOSE A KETO DIET

Steve was actually the catalyst for starting the keto diet. Several members of the Titans team and staff, as well as some of our friends, have been on the keto diet and have seen great results. Since his back surgery last year, he hasn't been able to work out as strenuously as he'd like, so he was looking for a way to maintain/lose weight without being able to work out as much. He did all the research {his nickname is Manual Boy, he reads about everything} and ordered all the books and I am basically along for the ride. I will say this, Steve is the absolute best person do do a diet with. He has the most willpower of any person I have ever met and when he makes a decision to stick to a diet, he does it. I know if I join in a diet with him he will hold me totally accountable and will be my partner every step of the way, so I generally jump on board with what he recommends.

KETO DIET RESOURCES

I have a few different keto resources that I have enjoyed that I wanted to share with you guys. We bought several different cookbooks that we have used and really enjoyed. Another one coming tomorrow! Also below is the collagen powder + MTC oil we use. Ketosis testing strips I ordered and Steve has this monitor currently in his cart ( he's just GOT to know. Ha! ) So, I'll end up ordering that today I'm sure. And...he's read up on this drink and it's quite popular, I'm sure he ordered that too. Let's just say we are READY over here!

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INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS I ENJOY + FOLLOW

There are also a few different Instagram accounts/blogs that I follow and really enjoy. I am going to share a screen shot on each one below. If you have a favorite, I'd LOVE to know.

WHAT I THINK SO FAR

We are a week in, but I have to say that so far I am really enjoying it. I mean who doesn't want to eat high-fat foods all the time. Any diet that encourages you to eat something called a fat bomb, I am all for. I will say that I am a little nervous, because if for some reason this diet doesn't work I am going to turn into a little tub of lard. I have seen and heard about so many great results though, so I am sure it will be awesome. The first week I had a slight headache, but so far I haven't seen any adverse side effects. One of the biggest positives that I have noticed from the diet is that I have amazing mental clarity. By day four, I could totally tell I was sharper and less foggy. You have to drink a TON of water on this diet, so be prepared to be in the bathroom a lot. As I mentioned above, the recipes have been delicious and are super family friendly. I don't think it is a diet that I will stay on long-term, but I think it is a great way to jump start your system. I know this is a statement of the obvious, but I am not a doctor, dietician, or nutritionist. As always, you should do your own research and consult with your doctor before embarking on a change in diet.

I hope you guys have found this post helpful. If you have any keto specific questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments or email me at heylandyn@livingwithlandyn.com and I will try to address them. I will check back in with you guys in few weeks and let you know how it is going.

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